When she looks in the mirror, she doesn't like her reflection at all because it isn't who she is. She doesn't understand why she is supposed to play with dolls, have her hair cut to ear level and wear pleated skirts to school. Her parents and teachers instruct her to behave well because politeness and modesty are the yardstick of female decency.
In the same way, boys should play with toy guns, get crew cuts and wear neat shorts. They should display strength, not weakness, to be manly. If they are made fun of and bullied by rogues, they should fight an eye for an eye rather than cry at home.
Decent children should uphold 12 core values propagated by the coup-engineering National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) in 2014 to promote the ideology of nation, religion and monarchy and sacrifice for the benefit of the country. They should express gratitude, preserve national culture and accept discipline.
Many of them feel oppressed by archaic rules, but they don't want to defy adults for fear that they won't be "good kids" in their eyes.
This is what the digital painting by Waewisa Na Songkhla explores in the exhibition "Silent Voices Matter". The event, sponsored by the Hinghoy Noy Organisation, supports children and youth in discussing taboo topics. The free exhibition is being held on the 2nd floor of Lido Connect and features more than 30 works from 10 artists until April 25.
Waewisa travelled back in time to her childhood when she dressed up paper dolls and used them to question the inculcation of gender roles in society.
"Adults never ask children about their gender identity. Instead, they put them into boxes. Kids don't dare to speak up at a young age because they are expected to fall into line," she told Life.
Waewisa pointed to another digital artwork where she parodies the theory of evolution by British naturalist Charles Darwin. In this, students hunch their backs painfully rather than walk straight because they are forced to carry heavy bags.
"It occurred to me when I was in primary school. Students weren't allowed to keep books in their desk drawers, especially during exams," she said.
Visitors are encouraged to interpret the artworks themselves. She said her most viral piece is the evil student bag. In this, students are running away from the monster. However, netizens said it symbolises the entire education system.
Other interactive artworks include a worksheet board where children can show their true emotions and an area where they can throw paper rockets at the ears of adults to call for the right to be heard.
BELOW Pieces by Waewisa Na Songkhla. Photos: Thana Boonlert
Children can express their true feelings on a worksheet exercise board. Thana Boonlert
Kids can throw paper rockets at the ears of adults. Thana Boonlert
Waewisa Na Songkhla. Thana Boonlert
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